Black Hills War and the Battle of the Little BighornThesis: The Black Hills War was a war for timber and gold, nothing more. Native Americans were kicked out because they were in the way.
The Black Hills War:
A series of battles within the Montana and Dakota Territories
War over the Black Hills area, where Sioux Indians were inhabiting
Rich in natural resources
Territorial officials scouting the area found that the trees would make good quality timber and wished to move the Sioux in the area to start cutting down the trees
Government sent Custer's Expedition to further survey the area and they found gold
Black Hills gold rush attracted miners and settlers
Government tried but failed to stop the miners from invading the territory.
Government on numerous occasions attempted to create a new treaty and move the Sioux to the Indian Territory. The Sioux refused.
Government eventually sent an army to defend settlers against the harassing tribes that weren't under the treaty.
Custer's Last Stand
Battle of the Little Bighorn:
Most famous battle in the Black Hills War
Battlefield in Bighorn Country, Montana, near the Little Bighorn River
Also known as Custer's Last Stand
Lieutenant Colonel Custer with 212 of his men defended themselves against an overwhelming Indian force
Historians debate whether it's 600 or 1800, 1800 more popularly used
Analysis reveals that Custer, for the most part, followed military procedure in dealing with the threat and the events preceding the battle.
The Significance:
America wanted the gold and timber the Black Hills had to offer and settled there.
A major victory for the Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, but also their last. The Black Hills dispute quickly ended and the borders were redrawn to have the Black Hills Territory within white lands.
The Black Hills War:
Battle of the Little Bighorn:
The Significance: